Fashion & Style Finding The Perfect Wedding Dress Sleeves for Your Upcoming Wedding 2:57 PM Of all the planning and arrangements that go into a wedding, nothing jumps to people's minds more than the wedding dress shopping. The wedding dress defines the impression that the bride makes on her big day. No wonder the wedding dress is often the first thing that crosses a bride's mind after getting engaged. There’s a lot to consider when picking a wedding dress. What kind of dress should you wear? Is your body shape right for the specific style? What about the neckline, color, length, and material? Should you buy online or at a store?And then, you have the sleeve design to worry about. The importance of sleeves reentered the bridal scene after The Royal Wedding. From flowy flared fabric to intricate lace detailing, sleeves are no longer used for modesty, but to make a gown feel more stylish. Recently, almost every collection from the bridal fashion week placed emphasis on sleeves. There were a variety of sleeves, from Victorian-inspired bishop sleeves to detachable, modern illusion lace. With so many types to choose from and so many reasons to wear sleeves, here is the sleeve glossary that will make your wedding dress planning a little less stressful: Finding The Perfect Wedding Dress Sleeves for Your Upcoming Wedding Straps and Strapless Strapless gowns, as the name suggests, are strapless and usually feature a straight-across or sweetheart neckline. The dress ends right above the bust and has no fabric covering the shoulder. Strapless dresses are popular among brides as they come in various silhouettes and are genuinely flattering on most body shapes. On the other hand, spaghetti straps, thick straps, and halter straps have delicate sleeves that support the bodice without covering the entire shoulder. Spaghetti straps are popularly seen in ball gowns, especially with an empire waist. The straps can be easily removed and embellished to create a timeless and classic look. Spaghetti straps are the right choice for brides who want a wedding dress as close to a strapless as possible, but with a little bodice-support. Sleeveless Sleeveless wedding dresses are often mistaken for strapless gowns when they are more similar to dresses with straps. Sleeveless wedding dresses have wide straps over the shoulder to hold it in place. They provide more coverage than simple straps and are found in gowns with Queen Anne, jewel, high-neck, asymmetric, square, and bateau necklines. Short Sleeves Short sleeves are the classic style for summer weddings and offer great versatility. They are similar to a short sleeve blouse or shirt that covers the shoulder and goes all the way around the arm, providing a generous range of motion. Cap Cap sleeves are short and hang from the shoulder with no fabric under the arm. They give your wedding dress a cutesy and feminine touch. But when pairing them with an illusion neckline or soft lace, they turn chic. Cap sleeves add stability and coverage even though they cover just the shoulders. Off-the-shoulder Off-the-shoulder wedding dress sleeves are the romantic and ethereal choice for any bride-to-be. The sleeves surround the shoulder, exposing skin in a sexy yet chic way. Puff Puff sleeves are a short-sleeved variation of the Juliet sleeves with a puff fitted at the bottom of the sleeve. Such sleeves are generally made from lighter fabrics to create a youthful and bohemian feel. Butterfly Butterfly sleeves, as the name suggests, are loose flowing sleeves, fitted at the top of the arm with little to no coverage underneath – the reason why they flutter! Butterfly sleeves are commonly seen on bridesmaid dresses but have made their way back to the bridal world. Tulip Inspired by the look of a tulip, this short-sleeve wraps over itself at the top of the shoulder. Usually seen in bridesmaid dresses, they are an option worth considering when customizing your wedding dress to have more coverage but with a romantic touch. Keiko LynElbow-Length, Three-quarter, and Long Sleeves The elbow- and quarter-length sleeves are perfect for weddings in all seasons. Depending on the fabrics used, they create a modern and sometimes a dramatic look. They also come in soft tulle to create a structured and different feel. Some churches make it mandatory for brides to wear sleeves for the ceremony. Long sleeves are usually preferred, as they add a formal feel without going overboard. Whether you prefer a vintage vibe or a sexy silhouette, long sleeves are the way to go. Illusion/Lace This wedding sleeve option is excellent for brides who prefer more coverage in a sexy way. The illusion lace detailing wraps around the entire arm, starting from the shoulder to the wrist. They are typically made of sheer fabric and are a transparent style that won’t show too much bare skin. Juliet Juliet sleeves are fitted long sleeves that feature a gathered puff at the shoulders. They depict the Renaissance and Shakespearean fashions and paint the bride in a romantic light. Bell One of the top trends seen in the most recent Bridal Fashion Week runways is bell sleeves. They are full sleeves that open at the cuff and flare toward the wrist, creating a dramatic touch to the arm. Often, bell sleeves are long-sleeved and add a fullness that is both awe-striking and flattering. Bishop The long, loose-fitting bishop sleeves are a classic style that is full at the top with a tight cuff at the wrist. This style creates a whimsical effect and is a popular choice for relaxed-style or bohemian weddings. Poet Poet sleeves are also known as flared/bell sleeves. They paint a romantic and feminine feel while holding true to the youthful spirit. Not to mention, they look especially great when done in sheer fabrics or soft lace. Finally Selecting a Sleeve Style Choosing the right wedding dress sleeve style that suits your body shape is an essential part of your wedding planning. The sleeve fabric doesn't have to be the same as the wedding dress. You can choose from a wide array of materials like tulle, lace, or netting. Whether you need the sleeves or not completely depends on the formality of the wedding and your personal preference. Most importantly, the sleeves you choose should make you feel beautiful and confident on your big day.
Weddings A Mediterranean Wedding in the Balearic Islands 10:02 AM What makes an already magical day even better? For many people, it’s travelling to a beautiful country with warm weather, breathtaking scenery and the buzz of exploring somewhere new as you take the first step into married life. The potential downside to planning a wedding in another country is that it adds to the already stressful tasks on your list, as well as having to navigate the legalities of getting married abroad. If you are hoping to tie the knot on one of the stunning Balearic Islands – Menorca, Ibiza or Mallorca – here are some of the most important factors you need to consider. A Mediterranean Wedding in the Balearic Islands Accommodation for you and the guests When travelling abroad to get married on any of the Balearic Islands, accommodation will be top of the to-do list. You might leave it up to your guests to arrange their own accommodation, but if you are travelling with family and close friends who you would like to near before and after the ceremony, consider booking one or more of the luxury villas in Balearics. You can choose a villa with enough bedrooms for everyone or even two separate villas if you and your fiancé wish to be apart the night before the wedding (and alone for the wedding night!). Choosing the best time of year While there are no restrictions on when you can get married in Spain, you should select your month carefully. The most popular period for weddings is between April and October with most taking place in June and September. If you would like your wedding during the summer, it is best to book as early a possible, for example, at least a year in advance. It’s also worth noting that if you will be getting married outside in the summer, it would be better to have the ceremony later in the afternoon to avoid the full heat of the sun. Wedding ceremonies and the rules for non-residents Unless they are Catholic, non-residents of Spain will need to be legally married in a registry office in their home country either before or after the ceremony in the Balearic Islands. If you are getting married legally at home before the ceremony, you can bring a religious leader from home to bless the marriage. If one or both people getting married are Roman Catholic and would like to be married in a Catholic church, this is allowed even for non-residents. There will be some paperwork to complete at your local church so they can send the necessary documents to the Spanish diocese. Legal civil ceremonies have to happen indoors, but non-legal blessings can take place anywhere. Civil partnerships are legal but only for people who have lived in Spain for at least 2 years. The law regarding same-sex couples changed in 2005, and they can now be legally married in Spain. Choosing a venue and caterer Whether you choose Mallorca, Ibiza or Menorca, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a venue. There are luxury hotels, fairy tale castles, breathtaking Spanish mansions, rustic farms and, of course, the natural beauty of a beach or clifftop wedding. You will also need to consider catering as although some venues will provide food, this will not always be the case. Choosing a photographer Hiring a photographer abroad is the same as hiring one at home as you need to look at their previous work to ensure their style is to your taste, but you also need to consider language. The last thing you want on the day are communication problems between the photographer and your wedding party, so make sure your photographer is bilingual. Choosing a dress While you may have already found your dream dress, you could always go for the full Spanish theme and buy your dress when you’re there. There are some beautiful bridal boutiques on the Balearic Islands such as Rosa Clará on Avinguda Jaume III or Nuestras Novias on Carrer Paraires in Palma, Mallorca, as well as department stores which stock gowns by Spanish and international designers. Hiring a wedding planner Planning a wedding in your home country can be stressful enough so imagine doing this when your venue is in another country, your suppliers speak another language, and you have to arrange travel and accommodation for all of your guests. It’s perfectly doable, but to make the process run a bit smoother, you might want to hire a wedding planner who can take care of the small details so you can focus on the big picture. Share About Life and Love with your friends!
Listicle How Millennials Are Redefining The Wedding Industry 5:23 PM Although there has been a trend in marriages declining among millennials, the wedding industry is actually thriving. According to IBIS World, the wedding industry generated a revenue of about $76 billion in 2019. While millennials might not be getting married or as early in age as much as other generations, they are spending lots and going all out when they do actually get hitched. Millennials are redefining the wedding industry in the types of wedding they are having and going against tradition. Here are just a few ways the industry is changing thanks to millennials: How Millennials are Redefining the Wedding Industry 1. Variety of Venues - A growing trend in weddings is to stray away from the traditional church wedding and banquet hall for the reception. Millennials are instead booking venues that double as both the wedding ceremony and reception area. A growing trend in unconventional wedding spaces such as barns and vineyards is increasing also. These venues allow for more customizable decorating and give great options for indoor or outdoor weddings. Many couples are also choosing venues that hold some sort of special meaning in their relationships such as the place they met or museums that they enjoy. 2. DIY - Even though millennials are spending more on their weddings than any other generation, that still does not prevent them from seeking out ways to cut costs. DIY elements can often easily be incorporated into little aspects of a wedding such as with giveaways or little decor accents. This allows couples to incorporate something more personalized and customized to their wedding. This helps keep their wedding on budget while also incorporating something unique to their wedding instead of just having another “cookie cutter” wedding. 3. Personalization - Along with DIY, millennials are obsessed with incorporating personalization elements into their weddings. This comes down to every single element of the wedding planning process. Even engagement rings are experiencing a trend in personalization. More and more couples are looking for custom rings that they design together. This makes it easier to select the best quality diamond to put in a custom setting. Couples are much more designed inclined and that shows in their wedding choices. This trend towards designed weddings can be traced to the surge in the role of social media in weddings. And speaking of personalization, what could be cuter than a customized wedding ring? It's the symbol of your love and loyalty. Why not make it your own?Custom made wedding rings Sydney will complete your personalized wedding dream. You can only wear your wedding gown once. But your ring is something you'll wear for a lifetime. Make a wise investment on that wedding band.4. Social Media - By far, social media is the biggest reason the wedding industry has been redefined and navigated by millennials. Instagram and Pinterest being the wedding industry’s go-to for figuring out wedding trends. Instead of looking at wedding magazines or consulting wedding planners, couples are instead looking to these two platforms for ideas and inspiration for their own ceremonies. Both platforms can explain why couples are so image conscious over their weddings. Couples now take into consideration how photo friendly their weddings are because of Instagram and Pinterest. This investment in creating photogenic weddings also pushes couples to add some customization and unique experiences into their weddings. 5. Experiences over Traditions - Millennial couples are also changing the wedding industry by the type of weddings they favor. More and more millennials are opting to choosing experiences over traditions. A clear sign of that is the growth in destination weddings. According to WeddingWire, one in four weddings are destination weddings and that statistic seems to be growing. Couples are also looking to include experiences within their wedding by adding unique kinds of experiences such as a cigar bar and trendy entertainment such as aura photography. Millennials are redefining the wedding industry by choosing more personalized decorations and experiences for their weddings. Weddings today are all about incorporating unique elements that reflect the experiences of a couple’s relationship. While this may be the trend for millennials who are getting married now, the wedding industry may see a change in the future.
Lux Thinking Aloud Bacolod Wedding Suppliers Review By A Bacolod Bride 10:06 PM I'll be sharing my Bacolod Wedding Suppliers review here based on personal experience and some tips which I hope makes your planning easier. One of the most daunting tasks in planning a wedding is finding the right supplier. So I made a vow that after I'm done with everything, I'll pay it forward and help the soon-to-wed couples. Bacolod Wedding Suppliers Review 💡 Tip! Create an Excel file. The file I created has different Sheets or Tabs, one for each supplier category (P/V or Photo Video, Wedding Cakes, Souvenirs, and so on).I added a DON'T BOOK sheet in glaring red tab color. Every time I find a new supplier, I check them first on that list. The suppliers in this category are those with 1 star review online as well as those NOT recommended by people I know based on their own experience or a wedding they attended. I kept adding names here based on my own personal experience of talking with the suppliers. If they're unresponsive, rude or unprofessional, they automatically make my DON'T BOOK list. Where to find Bacolod Wedding Suppliers Word of mouth Facebook search Facebook group Google search Word of mouth First, I asked my married friends for referrals and advice. From florists to HMUA (hair and makeup artist) to event organizers to cake suppliers, I asked anyone who might know someone. Facebook search I spent all my vacant hours every day utilizing the search bar in Facebook. I will be forever thankful for technology. I don't know what I would've done without AI suggesting pages or business I might be interested in. My florist, coordinator, photographer and souvenirs were all from Suggestions that Facebook's Artificial Intelligence ever so conscientiously recommended in my Feed. Facebook group Another heaven-sent is the Facebook group WAWIES. My (now also married) friend invited me to join the group while we were both planning our weddings. All the tips, recommendations, supplier reviews and lessons shared in the group helped me a lot throughout the wedding preps. It's like a support group for wedding preppers because during this time, who else can understand what you're going through, right? Google search What suppliers I see on Facebook, I search on Google for reviews and vice versa. Again, the internet is a life-saver. You can also visit Bridal Fairs. Check mall events schedule. Personally though, none of my suppliers were from the wedding expo. These are all the flyers I got from the event I attended in SM: After coming home from Wedding Expo. Overwhelming and exciting at the same time. Our Bacolod Wedding Suppliers Church - San Antonio Abad Parish Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What we wanted for our church: Small Air-conditioned Well-maintained We found out 3 days before the wedding that our officiating priest does not have a license yet. To avoid delays in processing papers, we looked for another. Unfortunately, majority of the priests were in Manila for a conference. Mandi, the parish secretary, helped us find a missionary priest fast. Everything happens for a reason. Fr. Sanjib Pani, our officiating priest, was great. He met with us and gave us a quick interview. He also agreed to do our confession the day before the wedding. I recommend him 100%. Price: Php 19,400 including use of AC, carpet, Canonical interview, paper works + choir + 2 principal sponsors Quality: They were really helpful and accommodating from day 1. Their choir was great, the audio was clear. I like the simple but elegant interior of the church. Communication: We get answers to our questions right away. What could be improved: They could use some re-painting. There were also a some candy wrappers in the pews. This didn't show in the photos or videos but could be an eye-sore for some. Please note that it was our choice to only have one pair of Principal Sponsors. You may call their office at (034) 434 9391 and inquire how much they charge now. Reception and Catering - Sugarland Hotel Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We chose them because they're close to the church and they're known for serving good food. Price: 23,540 for 50 pax and 3 hours use of venue + 6 LED lights (LED lights are optional but there's a corkage charge for each light if you bring your own) Quality: Although during the food tasting they served us cold food, they assured us they'll serve it hot during the wedding. They delivered. The staff assisting us during reception did an excellent job. Communication: MJ was our salesperson and she was clear, concise and professional. Accommodation: ⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you'll ask me about accommodation however, it's a different story. The night before the wedding, there were parties downstairs which we could hear loudly in our rooms. Brides need their beauty rest and you bet I didn't get mine as the party ended after 10. The heater in the bridal suite was not working too. Entourage dresses - Atet's Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I opted for infinity dress for my entourage so I (and my bride squad) don't have to deal with the whole process and hassle of having the dresses made. Plus they can use it even after the wedding. The infinity dresses were from Atet's. Someone from the Facebook group recommended them. Although they are Manila-based, they ship to Bacolod. I don't know them personally. You will realize that this whole wedding preps requires a lot of faith. 😅 Price: Php 550 + shipping fee (depends on the location) Quality: The fabric's quality was not compromised for the price. 👌 Communication: Responsive, courteous, professional Delivery: Fast. They gave an ETA of 2-3 weeks but as far as I can remember it didn't take 3 weeks for my order to be delivered. They sent my orders via JRS Express. What could be improved: Payment mode is only through Palawan Express, LBC and Cebuana. I wish they had bank transfer or PayPal options so it's more convenient and safer. They don't allow meet-ups. So even if you're in Manila area, you will need to pay additional shipping fee. Wedding dress - South Shores Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We were walking in a mall when I saw a long white dress inside a shop in a hanger and transparent garment bag. My then fiancé suggested that since we're already there, I might as well try it. I was hesitant. I didn't get that THIS IS IT! feeling when I saw it. Only when they took it out of the bag and I tried it did I realize how pretty it was. I bought it right away. Price: If you're a 'budgetarian' bride, you'll love it. I was amazed by how budget-friendly it was despite how elegant it looked. I don't want to post the price but you can ask me here. Quality: It looks expensive. 😅 I love the details too especially the beads and laces. Communication: The salesladies at the store were helpful in assisting me while I change. So why only 4 stars out of perfect 5? What could be improved: Unlike traditional bridal boutiques, I only got...the dress. No free veil, gloves, free use of mannequin for wedding day pictorial and other accessories. Not even a free hanger or a proper box or bag. My husband helped them pack it in two large eco bags and wrapped it securely so it won't get dirty or damaged. Because they didn't have a bag large enough to fit the gown. They told us that the dress was from Hong Kong. When we had the length adjusted in a dress shop, the woman assisting me said that based on the quality of bead work, it's made locally. She's been in the dressmaking industry for 20 years now so she said she can tell. 🤷 South Shores is located at 3/f SM City Bacolod. I bought my veil at Jimmy's textile at Bacolod Plaza Mart for less than 100 Php. We rented mannequin at Fit & Curves Lopue's East for Php 500 for one day use. Bridal Makeup - Ms. Marie of David's Salon Rating:⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We booked Ms. Marie right after our trial makeup. She's easy to work with as she's a pro and we like the no-makeup makeup she did during the trial. Price: Their policy is that if the makeup is done outside the salon, the price is double. Plus you pay for their transportation. In total, we paid Php 3,300 on the day of the wedding. They don't offer a bridal package. Quality: This is the sad part. We were both pleased and satisfied with the hair and makeup during the trial. Unfortunately on the day of the wedding itself, the lighting inside the bridal suite was too low so she ended up putting more makeup than intended. Communication: Ms. Marie (and Jessa who did my hair) were both pleasant to work with and well-trained. What could be improved: The call time was 5 am but they arrived around 5:20 am. It's not their fault that the room was dimly lit and the call time was before sunrise. But I think the makeup didn't turn out as good as expected because they were rushing as they started late and the room was not properly illuminated. We could have moved next to the window and opened the curtains so it's brighter had they requested it. Maybe David's Salon can also change their policy. My HMUA still had to report and work full hours on that day despite working a good four hours on our wedding. Makeup trial at Php 1,200 Entourage's makeup - BeautyLove by Stef Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I've known Stef since she was taking makeup lessons. So I also know she gives 110% in her work. Price: Php 4k for mother of the bride and maid of honor. This may be a special price so it's better to ask her for a quote. Quality: According to my sister, she didn't want to wash her face after the wedding because she loved her makeup so much. Everyone's call time was 5 am but Stef was up and ready at 3 am. The night before, she already prepared her things in my room. Communication: Straightforward and professional My husband didn't like his makeup on some pictures but I do. I think it's a man's thing to not like to see themselves with makeup. Florist and Event Stylist - Sweet 25 Flowers and Decors by Gilbert Taguines Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Couple Gilbert and Jinky Taguines were the 6th florist we talked to. We have had apprehensions with other florists. Either something's off in their contract, they don't have a permit, their offer is too good to be true or that they kept rescheduling our meeting and giving us excuses because we asked them to adjust the price. Price: See the price list they sent us below. Quality: The day before the wedding, Cebu Pacific flights were delayed (as usual). So the flowers they ordered were stuck at the Manila airport. The airline promised to send the cargo first thing in the morning. They went to the airport 5 am. The wedding is at 10 am. Yet while they were doing my makeup, Jinky already handed me my bouquet. The church was how we wanted it: simple and elegant. We were amazed by how they arranged the venue for reception. It was a small blank room that transformed into a romantic lovely scene. Flowers, tables and backdrop were arrange in a pretty way.Our guests loved the reception decorations, and so did we. Communication: Although there were some delays in their responses as they're also busy with other events, they are easy to communicate with, respectful and patient. Delivery: Late only for a few minutes during first meeting. They finished the flowers and styling before the ceremony and program started despite delay. What could be improved: I wanted a stargazer for the center of my bridal bouquet. Unfortunately, because of the delay at the airport, it stayed in cargo for 48 hours. This kind of flower wilts fast when not kept in a cool place. Before going to church, the edges of the stargazer were already starting to brown. The delay is obviously not their fault so I'm not taking a star off the perfect 5 rating. LED lights in the room change in color and there are photos that are too pink or dark. On the Day Coordination - Jinky Taguines Rating:⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We were happy when we found out that Jinky also does coordination. So we booked them for the flowers and we booked her for coordination. I opted for OTD Coordination because I know I wanted to be hands on in choosing other suppliers instead of letting another person decide. Price: 10k Quality: I didn't want to give Jinky 3-stars because we saw how organized and good she was. The problem was that on the day of the wedding itself, she hired freelance coordinators so she could help focus with the flowers and decors. Unfortunately they weren't as good as her. They're called 6 Angels. Instead of helping dissipate the stress, they were adding to it. I saw them frowning because they're in a hurry as the makeup and photo shoot started later than expected. According to my entourage, they were rude and unprofessional while rushing everyone. I think they were also pissed because they asked my then fiancé for the rings which will be used for the documentation on P/V but he refused. Obviously, you won't give rings to people you only saw that day. We weren't introduced to them by Jinky because she had to rush to the airport before 5 am. The whole time I was trying to ignore their unhappy faces and negative vibes because I wanted to be happy on my wedding day. But even the guests weren't happy with how they're doing their job. My husband was the one who guided the guests where to sit because he said he saw them do nothing about it. The seating arrangement was discussed with Jinky. A photographer who's not part of the team we hired kept snapping photos and they did nothing about it. We requested this to Jinky and even sent a copy of Couple's request and she acknowledged. Maybe she didn't pass on the message. My mother asked one of them to give the female sponsor's fan to my friend who stood there as the sponsor didn't make it, but they didn't do as she said. It's only a small fan with flowers but it's part of the package we paid for. I don't know where it went. I only saw it in the photo. The prizes I prepared for the games were not given to the right winners. I got an excess prize back so I don't know who didn't get the right prize and what they gave instead. I had a table games file sent which they printed and gave to the MC. Communication: Jinky was okay but 6 Angels weren't. It's seems they're not happy with what's happening. Delivery: Our guests and entourage were annoyed by them. We didn't like how they handled the pressure. What could be improved: If you decide to hire Jinky for coordination because again, she's good, ask her to hire a different assistant. We paid (for both Sweet 25 flowers and decors and) coordination down-payment during contract signing. We transferred the second payment a week before the wedding and paid for the balance after the wedding via mobile banking. Photo and Video - Rocket Lab Photography Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ While I was searching for P/V I would send the links of their works to my photographer friend abroad. Out of many, he liked their work best. In his words, it's more raw and not filtered. You can see the person's character and candidness in the shots. Price: Photo + Video (full and highlights) = Php 20k. This is way cheaper compared to other well-known photo/video suppliers. Quality: Some shots are really good, others just okay. I counted 36 shots that were almost a duplicate of another shot, off-centered, eyes closed, or those that didn't have to be included. Maybe they just forgot to remove from the file. They're young and dynamic. They helped lighten the mood so we can be more relaxed and have fun during the shoot. Communication: Responsive, courteous, easy to communicate with. Delivery: Call time was 5 am but I think they started working around 5:30 am. Thus, the delay and rush. But the photos and videos were delivered fast. Photos were uploaded on their page four days after the wedding. Video was uploaded 21 days after and we got the copies in USB the next day. They also gave us printed copies of the uploaded photos. What could be improved: They could be more punctual next time. I was expecting the moment my husband and I met at the altar to be included in the full coverage but it was not. It's a sweet moment when he said "You look beautiful, honey." Unfortunately, the camera man had to change spot at that moment. Also I thought full coverage meant the games and other parts of the program will be included. They cut to the speeches and some highlights. We paid 1k down-payment on our meeting and contract signing and I transferred the balance via mobile banking after the wedding. Rings - Hearts & Arrows Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We've searched far and wide to find the perfect ring that would compliment my engagement ring. Only to realized it's just in SM City Bacolod. 😆 Quality: We went to different jewelry stores in different cities but so far theirs is the best. I love that when you look under a colored lens you'll see hearts and arrows shapes in the stones, thus the name of the store. Communication: The girl who assisted us was knowledgeable and they're all accommodating. Delivery: They messaged us that they already have the stock before the date we're supposed to pick it up. My husband bought his ring online because we have different preferences with design. Wedding cake and dessert table - Sweet Peas Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I found Sweet Peas in WAWIES. I contacted them after I read the positive review. I spent hours browsing through their albums and fell in love with their work. Price: Php 3,500 Quality: I wish they have a physical bakeshop so I can buy their cake whenever I miss it. Love how elegant the desserts and our cake looked. Love her arrangement. Our cake was moist and chocolaty. The cake pops and cupcakes were also delectable. Communication: Responsive and courteous. Delivery: I only sent photos of how I want the cake to look, a some preferences and gave her the freedom to decorate. I paid online for the 1k down-payment. They arrived even before the stylist was done with the reception. I had my coordinator pay the balance so we never met in person. Souvenirs - Porte Verde 7225 Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I wanted a souvenir that is useful and environment-friendly so I opted for succulents. Price: Php 1,550 for 40 pcs Quality: I love the layout in the sign they added. Love the succulents too. Communication: Responsive and patient with all my inquiries 😁 Delivery: They arrived before the reception was decorated and I also had the coordinator pay in full. No downpayment required because it's only Php1,550. We also didn't meet in person. I will not post a detailed review of my groom's suit. But do yourself a favor and don't have it made at Slim's. I lost count of the times we had to go back to have it readjusted because it's either too loose or too tight. Finally my groom got tired of three months of coming and going so he just paid for it and we left. Not worth it. Ring box, invitations, candles and other accessories we did ourselves. 😊 Here's what my creative husband did for our arrhae, cord and ring box. Our wedding's theme is Simple and Elegant. As much as possible, we didn't want to spend on nice-to-haves so we can focus on the must-haves. I didn't feel oblige to follow the 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' tradition. It took me almost a year searching for and booking for all the suppliers. It didn't all happen in one trip to the Bridal Fair or in one day. Although that's the dream, isn't it? I learned valuable lessons and realized in the end that there is no such thing as a perfect wedding, but mine was beautiful because I married my best friend. If you have other questions about these Bacolod Wedding Suppliers, feel free to send me a message here. Reach out to them as well because they may have changed their rates. Happy preps!
Lux Thinking Aloud I Have Found The One Whom My Soul Loves - My Wedding Day 6:38 PM I have found the one whom my soul loves. - Song of Solomon 3:4 Remember when I was writing about why I was single a few years back? Or when I poured out my heart and shared the common worries and fears of a single woman? Boldly, I also declared here that at last, this single is ready to mingle. Were you shocked when I announced that I finally got engaged? Because people I know and well, even myself was a little surprised as to how fate made an unexpected turn. Today, I'm sharing the day God fulfilled His promise to me. The day I have found the one whom my soul loves---my wedding day! When I was still on my mending stage and was starting to accept sponsorship on my blog, most clients were asking me to write about...wedding; wedding dresses, wedding fashion, wedding favors. What do I write about? It's as if the universe was playing a joke on me. I was the most unqualified person to write about the topic. Fast forward to today, I am writing about my very own wedding day. I didn't see that coming. It's unreal. I Have Found The One Whom My Soul Loves Even when I had unsuccessful past relationships and at some point, was consumed by resentment, my faith in love was never tarnished. Sure I started doubting my worth. I had trust issues and thought everyone's trying to pull my leg. Waiting I knew it was going to be a long journey so I decided to just enjoy it. I kept working on myself and I did wait---sometimes in faith, sometimes in fear. There were days when I was blissfully reveling on my unattached and uncomplicated single life, and there were nights when my heart would long for a better half. In all those times, I would continue to hold on to God's promise of a good life for me. Although I was content and calm even with the idea that I may never get married, deep in my heart, I knew God has better plans. Despite planning for a life alone (which included buying a house that I'm selling as of this writing), I feel a prodding in a different direction. Discernment Interestingly, I met my husband when I was resolved that the single life was for me. It was when I have fully accepted that I can bloom wherever God plants me that I met someone who changed my mind. Perhaps you have heard this line: "Yes, I am single. And you have to be amazing to change that." I can't just jump into a relationship without being cautious. I am too tired and freaking too old for that, I thought. I am way too happy to be swayed to get out of my comfort zone. But this man seems genuine. Most of all, he follows Christ. Sure, he's not perfect but he's on the right track. Every night I would ask God if he's the one because otherwise, I don't have time for this anymore. 😂 It's funny that I used to ask for specific things I want for my future spouse, and when we met and I thought he fit those characters, my prayers changed to "But is it real or fake?" I had so much doubt due to trust issues. There's a lot of prayers from me and my friends involved. Because what can you do really but ask for spiritual guidance? Plus, a whole lot of reflection and analysis. Hey, I'm changing my life forever. I'm allowed to overthink and pray harder, right? My Wedding Day To cut the long story short, we got married. It may seem like rushed, but there were a lot of things involved from that fateful day we met to the day we said I do. It wasn't a perfect wedding, but it was beautiful. The planning and preparations brought me to a whole new level of stress which unfortunately showed on my skin even on our wedding day. But that's how it is. My husband's first words to me when we met at the altar were "You look beautiful, honey." 😊 So I guess it didn't matter how my complexion was. Not all things would go according to your plans (I'll be sharing reviews on suppliers soon to help other brides-to-be, and lessons I learned while planning and during the wedding). But I've realized that at the end of the day, it's not about that perfect Instagrammable wedding picture. It's not about how much the flowers cost or how gorgeous your wedding dress is (I'm blessed that mine was 😝 and it's unplanned how I found it. I will share that in a different post, too). Your wedding is a celebration of your union with the person God gave you as partner. Your wedding day is about you marrying your best friend. And that's all that really matters. Everything else are supplemental. Here's our wedding video from RocketLab Photography, our official wedding P/V: Thank you for journeying with me up until this time. I will not stop writing, but the topics on my blog would change a bit. I will still be blogging about being single because I love that stage of my life and I learned a lot from it. My hope is to continue to encourage everyone regardless of their relationship status. And my wish is that if you still haven't, may you also find the one whom your soul would love. If you like this blog post about life and love, please share the article using the social media buttons below. Thanks!
